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What to Pack: Cape Town

With sunshine most days of the year, Cape Town is a pleasant destination in nearly any season. The city, positioned on the southern tip of Africa, also serves as a melting pot, melding European sensibilities with local Khoisan and Xhosa flair. Add on nature’s own touch (namely, the beach) and excellent vineyards nearby, and you can see how a trip here could entertain you for a weekend or much longer. Below, some ideas for what to bring to enjoy the city's many splendors.

Women

Beach Hopping

The city is fringed with three sections of beaches, so sun-lovers will easily find a sandy stretch tuned to their liking. Slip on these horn sunglasses ($200) to scope out the surf conditions on the West Coast, home also to kite boarders.

A gauze hoodie can serve as cover-up in the earlier hours. This style comes with zesty orange stripes ($238).

A bikini set in paprika red spices things up (top, $67.95; bottom, $61.95).

For lunch, pull on a pair of denim cut-offs ($154) for a dip into one of the many excellent fish restaurants like Gaaitjie, which has seats overlooking the beach.

Though downtown is studded with slick skyscrapers, Cape Town, like the best beach cities, maintains a relatively laid-back dress code. Go for light jeans in a breathable slouchy cut. This pair, particularly, comes with leather details ($295).

A dash of color on top brings your wardrobe palette alive. To wit: a rose print livens up this silk top ($190).

For heels, a thicker stacked version offers more stability and this mule shape ($350) is a versatile piece for outfits both floaty and structured.

Men

Atlantic Breezes

Looking for a toned, attractive crowd? Head to the Atlantic beaches, where the water is slightly colder, but the scene certainly is not. Lined with million-dollar homes and home to Cape Town’s social scene, Clifton’s and Camps Bay are lively choices. Be prepared for a dip in the nippy waters in these Liberty green and blue trunks ($195).

On top, a basic tee or tank are no-brainers. For a preppier look, wear a polo ($64.50) instead.

For covertly scanning the crowd, these acetate aviators have just the right kind of gradient lenses ($335).

With plenty of beach bars, the afternoon crowd often lingers into the evening hours. Bring a change of clothes if necessary, including these poplin shorts in light blue ($185).

And stripes never go out of season, especially in maritime navy and white ($85).

Fare Trade

Along with Xhosa fare, the local gastronomic tableau includes excellent Malay-inflected and pan-African menus. Not quite ready for springbok and kudu steaks? Myoga offers a fancy 7-course fusion menu option that’s probably more familiar to the palate. For the occasion, pull on these light, sun-faded jeans ($205).